Adrian C. Newton

Bio: Adrian C. Newton is an academic researcher from James Hutton Institute. The author has contributed to research in topics: Hordeum vulgare & Biodiversity. The author has an hindex of 74, co-authored 453 publications receiving 21814 citations. Previous affiliations of Adrian C. Newton include Seattle Children's Research Institute & University of Peradeniya.

Chitosan primes plant defence mechanisms against Botrytis cinerea, including expression of Avr9/Cf-9 rapidly-elicited genes

Abstract: Current crop protection strategies against the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea rely on a combination of conventional fungicides and host genetic resistance. However, due to pathogen evolution and legislation in the use of fungicides, these strategies are not sufficient to protect plants against this pathogen. Defence elicitors can stimulate plant defence mechanisms through a phenomenon known as priming. Priming results in a faster and/or stronger expression of resistance upon pathogen recognition by the host. This work aims to study priming of a commercial formulation of the elicitor chitosan. Treatments with chitosan result in induced resistance in solanaceous and brassicaceous plants. In tomato plants, enhanced resistance has been linked with priming of callose deposition and accumulation of the plant hormone jasmonic acid (JA). Large-scale transcriptomic analysis revealed that chitosan primes gene expression at early time-points after infection. In addition, two novel tomato genes with a characteristic priming profile were identified, Avr9/Cf-9 rapidly-elicited protein 75 (ACRE75) and 180 (ACRE180). Transient and stable overexpression of ACRE75, ACRE180 and their Nicotiana benthamiana homologs, revealed that they are positive regulators of plant resistance against B. cinerea. This provides valuable information in the search for strategies to protect Solanaceae plants against B. cinerea.

Impact of soil tillage on the robustness of the genetic component of variation in phosphorus (P) use efficiency in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract: In order to improve the sustainability of agriculture it is imperative that the P-use efficiency of temperate cereal crops be improved. This can be achieved both by agronomic and genetic approaches. While many studies have demonstrated genotypic variation in P-use efficiency in a number of cereal species the robustness of this genetic variation with variation in environment is rarely considered. In this paper we describe an experiment in which we compare the P-nutrition of winter and spring barley genotypes grown in a field trial with contrasting cultivation treatments (conventional vs. minimum tillage) which have been developed over a number of years. We demonstrate that while there is significant variation between genotypes in their P nutrition that this variation is not comparable between cultivation treatments and only one winter barley genotype (cv. Gleam) has beneficial P-use efficiency traits in both cultivation systems. These data suggest that it may be possible to identify a genetic component to variation in P nutrition in barley but that a large interaction with environmental variables may limit the usefulness of any genes or markers discovered for improving P-use efficiency to the conditions under which the screening was performed.

Information technology in epidemiology

Abstract: Information technology (IT) has been available for many years but recent developments have provided new opportunities. All areas of science can and will benefit greatly from the further development of information technology over the next few years. As with other new technologies, or accelerated developments of existing technologies, IT will provide most benefit when adapted appropriately to the existing tools available for the conduct of science investigations. Time will provide the answer to whether the recent IT developments described here will revolutionalize plant pathology on the same scale as previous developments such as those in microscopy and molecular biology.

Plant metacommunity structure remains unchanged during Plant metacommunity structure remains unchanged during biodiversity loss in English woodlands biodiversity loss in English woodlands

Abstract: Th e metacommunity concept provides important insights into large-scale patterns and dynamics of distributions of interactTh e metacommunity concept provides important insights into large-scale patterns and dynamics of distributions of interacting species. However, temporal change of metacommunity structure is little studied and has not been previously analysed ing species. However, temporal change of metacommunity structure is little studied and has not been previously analysed in the context of biodiversity change. As metacommunity structure is determined by multiple species distributions, it is in the context of biodiversity change. As metacommunity structure is determined by multiple species distributions, it is expected to change as a result of biodiversity loss. To examine this process, we analysed structural change of a southern English expected to change as a result of biodiversity loss. To examine this process, we analysed structural change of a southern English woodland metacommunity at two points in time, seven decades apart. During this interval, the metacommunity lost woodland metacommunity at two points in time, seven decades apart. During this interval, the metacommunity lost β -diversity through taxonomic homogenization. We performed an ‘ elements of metacommunity structure ’ (EMS) analysis -diversity through taxonomic homogenization. We performed an ‘ elements of metacommunity structure ’ (EMS) analysis to examine metacommunity structure, based upon three structural elements: coherence (i.e. gaps in species range along a to examine metacommunity structure, based upon three structural elements: coherence (i.e. gaps in species range along a structuring gradient), spatial turnover (replacements), and species range boundary clumping. We predicted that metacomstructuring gradient), spatial turnover (replacements), and species range boundary clumping. We predicted that metacommunity structure would decrease in spatial turnover and thus become more nested over time. We tested for change in indimunity structure would decrease in spatial turnover and thus become more nested over time. We tested for change in individual structural elements with z-scores and examined the role of spatial and environmental variables as potential structuring vidual structural elements with z-scores and examined the role of spatial and environmental variables as potential structuring mechanisms through correlation with EMS ordination axes. Our results demonstrated that the metacommunity had a Clemmechanisms through correlation with EMS ordination axes. Our results demonstrated that the metacommunity had a Clementsian structure that was maintained over time. Despite no change in broad structure, coherence and species range boundary entsian structure that was maintained over time. Despite no change in broad structure, coherence and species range boundary clumping increased. Spatial turnover increased along the fi rst structuring gradient but decreased on the second gradient. We clumping increased. Spatial turnover increased along the fi rst structuring gradient but decreased on the second gradient. We hypothesise that this diff erence between gradients may refl ect the presence of competing processes aff ecting spatial turnover. hypothesise that this diff erence between gradients may refl ect the presence of competing processes aff ecting spatial turnover. Th e mechanisms of biological structuring involved both environmental and spatial factors at the scale of the individual woodTh e mechanisms of biological structuring involved both environmental and spatial factors at the scale of the individual woodland. Th erefore, our results suggest that broad metacommunity structure would not be a good landscape-scale indicator for land. Th erefore, our results suggest that broad metacommunity structure would not be a good landscape-scale indicator for conservation status. Conversely, knowledge that metacommunity structure does not change over time could assist in longconservation status. Conversely, knowledge that metacommunity structure does not change over time could assist in longterm conservation strategy because fundamental metacommunity structural processes are resistant to environmental change. term conservation strategy because fundamental metacommunity structural processes are resistant to environmental change.

The Theory of Island Biogeography

Abstract: Preface to the Princeton Landmarks in Biology Edition vii Preface xi Symbols Used xiii 1. The Importance of Islands 3 2. Area and Number of Speicies 8 3. Further Explanations of the Area-Diversity Pattern 19 4. The Strategy of Colonization 68 5. Invasibility and the Variable Niche 94 6. Stepping Stones and Biotic Exchange 123 7. Evolutionary Changes Following Colonization 145 8. Prospect 181 Glossary 185 References 193 Index 201

The Design and Analysis of Experiments

Abstract: THE DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTS. By Oscar Kempthorne. New York, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1952. 631 pp. $8.50. This book by a teacher of statistics (as well as a consultant for \"experimenters\") is a comprehensive study of the philosophical background for the statistical design of experiment. It is necessary to have some facility with algebraic notation and manipulation to be able to use the volume intelligently. The problems are presented from the theoretical point of view, without such practical examples as would be helpful for those not acquainted with mathematics. The mathematical justification for the techniques is given. As a somewhat advanced treatment of the design and analysis of experiments, this volume will be interesting and helpful for many who approach statistics theoretically as well as practically. With emphasis on the \"why,\" and with description given broadly, the author relates the subject matter to the general theory of statistics and to the general problem of experimental inference. MARGARET J. ROBERTSON

Ecosystems and human well-being: a framework for assessment

Abstract: This first report of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the conceptual framework that is being used in the MA. It is not a formal assessment of the literature, but rather a scientifically informed presentation of the choices made by the assessment team in structuring the analysis and framing the issues. The conceptual framework elaborated in this report describes the approach and assumptions that will underlie the analysis conducted in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. The framework was developed through interactions among the experts involved in the MA as well as stakeholders who will use its findings. It represents one means of examining the linkages between ecosystems and human well-being that is both scientifically credible and relevant to decision-makers. This framework for analysis and decision-making should be of use to a wide array of individuals and institutions in government, the private sector, and civil society that seek to incorporate considerations of ecosystem services in their assessments, plans, and actions.